by Don Ford, M.D.

Folic Acid is one of your body”s essential nutrients! It is important for everything from brain function to cardiovascular health. Folic Acid deficiency is the most common deficiency of any of the B vitamins. It also works along with vitamin B-12 for formation of red blood cells.

Some of the signs and symptoms you would want to look out for would include:

%95Irritability or Depression- Because of folic acids importance in your central nervous system you may experience symptoms such as irritability, sluggishness, forgetfulness, or depression.

%95High Homocysteine Levels- Along with other B-Vitamins, folic acid works to lower homocysteine levels. People with high homocysteine levels have been shown to have a higher increase in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

%95Birth Defects and Miscarriage- Folic acid is critical in the development of your fetus. Folic acid supplements are recommended to women that are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

%95Some Cancers- Some cancers have been associated with abnormally low levels of folic acid.

%95Diarrhea and loss of appetite- Many vitamin deficiencies have been linked to gastrointestinal complaints.

It is very important to identify why your body may be deficient in folic acid!

Are you eating enough foods that are rich in folic acid, such as spinach and other green leafy vegetables, soybeans, salmon, or orange juice?

Are you taking any prescription or over the counter drug that has been shown to either lower folic acid levels, or increase your bodies need for folic acid such as oral contraceptives, aspirin or otheranti-inflammatory drugs, antacids such as Zantac, Pepcid or Tagamet, or metformin for diabetes?

If you want to learn more about why your body needs folic acid please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/vitamin_B9.htm

If you would like to learn more about other medications that have the potential to put you at risk of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/

If you would like to see the full line of NutraMD products please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/store/PPF/Category_ID/11/products.asp